I accidentally fed way too much and don't know what to do!

[Klewtz]

Hello,

Today I was testing my new auto feeder and I accidentally fed way too much it's all over the place. My immediate response was to try and suck some of it out during a water change. I probably got about 1/4th of it out but there still is way too much in the tank. My fish are already shaken up because of all the activity that took place with the water change etc and I don't want to stress them out more. I have prepped more water to do a water change again tomorrow. I have also placed my powerheads to try and keep the food in the water column to get taken by my filter as much as possible. I have also applied prime to my tank to try and de-toxify the ammonia that might be produced. Is there anything else you all recommend I don't want to have to disturb the Aquascape to get the rest out but if that's the best way forward I will. What is your opinion? I feel so dumb for making this happen and will be mortified with myself if anything happens to my fish. Thank you for listening! All suggestions are good suggestions!

 

[cohojoe412]

Hello,

Today I was testing my new auto feeder and I accidentally fed way too much it's all over the place. My immediate response was to try and suck some of it out during a water change. I probably got about 1/4th of it out but there still is way too much in the tank. My fish are already shaken up because of all the activity that took place with the water change etc and I don't want to stress them out more. I have prepped more water to do a water change again tomorrow. I have also placed my powerheads to try and keep the food in the water column to get taken by my filter as much as possible. I have also applied prime to my tank to try and de-toxify the ammonia that might be produced. Is there anything else you all recommend I don't want to have to disturb the Aquascape to get the rest out but if that's the best way forward I will. What is your opinion? I feel so dumb for making this happen and will be mortified with myself if anything happens to my fish. Thank you for listening! All suggestions are good suggestions!

How much food went in? I would just leave it. How old is the tank? You might just have a nutrient spike but I can’t see an ammonia spike… I’m also not an expert. Leave it for a couple days then do another water change to pull nutrients as they are released

 

[Klewtz]

How much food went in? I would just leave it. How old is the tank? You might just have a nutrient spike but I can’t see an ammonia spike… I’m also not an expert. Leave it for a couple days then do another water change to pull nutrients as they are released

It's about 2 months old at this point so not crazy established which does make me a little worried but maybe I'm just overreacting. But for as how much food probably like a 4-year-olds hand full worth. The auto feeder got stuck in the down position and didn't rotate fully

 

[Schulks]

I would think your mechanical filter should be able to clean most of it out and water changes/skimmer/Clean up crew should do the rest.
Just increase flow/alter it some to try and get rid of dead spots. You can use a coral feeder/turkey baster to try and blow food out and get it suspended, replace your sock or filter fleece as frequently as you can for a few days, and Do an extra water change or 2 at some point.

 

[Klewtz]

I gave it like 20 min and all of the pellets were collected in one area and I was able to siphon most of it out! So, I think most of my worries are out of the way but I think I am going to still do a water change in a day or so just to be on the safe side!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I'm glad you were able to siphon most of it out!

 

[mfinn]

A fish net might be useful if it happens again.

 

[Nano_Man]

Get a gravel cleaner and suck it out
You could also suck it up and do a water change